About

Photo from IDEAS xLab’s Catalytic Forces 2017 hosted in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, including team members, partners, artists, and researchers from multiple states.

The IDEAS xLab Story

IDEAS xLab has evolved from an exhibition program (2012) and creative chamber of commerce (2013-2014) to a dynamic nonprofit (2015-present) focused on arts-based, culturally-responsive change initiatives designed to positively impact health and wellbeing.

Currently providing technical assistance to partner sites in more than 5 states, with a predominant focus on the South and Appalachia, we are committed to leveraging the power of arts, culture, and the creative industries to support health and wellbeing innovation.

Our Partnership with University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information Sciences

Creative places, fueled by culture, become even more sustainable when they are BACKED BY SCIENCE.

In Summer 2018, we began planning a new and exciting collaboration with University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information Sciences called the UofL Center for Creative Placehealing (launching early 2019). Directed by Theo Edmonds (an original co-founder of IDEAS xLab), the new Center for Creative Placehealing will support scientific research and innovation development in public health to further strengthen the impact of Project HEAL and HOPEBOX.

Additionally, the new Center will be focused on establishing the University of Louisville as a national leader in:

Forging industry-engaged R&D which translates and adapts public health research for direct action and investment by the private sector;

IDEAS xLab Team

BOARD

Jared GilesWorkforce Development Initiatives at Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation

Caitlin CambronInterapt

Rachel KamauWRK Consulting

Jan WaltherAmerican Cancer Society

ADVISORS

Theo Edmonds, JD,MHA,MFADirector, Center for Creative Placehealing University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information Sciences(Co-founder IDEAS xLab)

Dr. Monica WendelAssoc. Dean, University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information SciencesDirector, Commonwealth Institute of Kentucky

Dr. Craig Blakely Dean, University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information Sciences

Karan ChavisUniversity of Louisville School of Medicine

Colleen KeeganNational Arts Advisor

Our Funders

We are grateful for the generous support and thought partnership of our organizational funders listed below. And, especially, to the many private donors who selflessly give of their time, talent and treasure to support our work.